Rapper Fetty Wap sentenced to 6 years in prison for drug trafficking plot – Quoc Nghiep
In the presence of friends and family, rapper Fetty Wap on Wednesday apologized for his actions and said he was “exactly where I have to be,” before a judge concluded. sentenced him to six years in federal prison for his role in the New York-based drug-trafficking scheme.
The trap queen rapper, whose legal name is Willie Maxwell, pleaded guilty in August 2022 to drug conspiracy charges with a mandatory minimum sentence of five years. The verdict was delivered in federal court on Long Island.
Maxwell told U.S. District Judge Joanna Seybert, “I am selfish in my pride that has brought me to this position today.” His lawyers have suggested he turn to drug sales because of financial hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Maxwell was arrested in October 2021 on charges of participating in a conspiracy to smuggle large quantities of heroin, fentanyl and other drugs into the New York City area.
The New Jersey-born rapper and five co-conspirators were charged with conspiring to possess and distribute more than 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of heroin, fentanyl and crack cocaine between June 2019 and June 2020.
Prosecutors said the scheme involved using the U.S. Postal Service and hidden compartment cars to transport drugs from the West Coast to Long Island, where they were stored for distribution to agents in Long Island and New Jersey.
Maxwell pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess controlled substances, the leading charge in the indictment against him, admitting that he was involved in a large drug trafficking ring. The plea, which involved only cocaine, saved him a life sentence if he was convicted of all the charges he faced.
Maxwell’s lawyers had hoped for a minimum sentence of five years in prison, while prosecutors sought a longer sentence.
“This is a sad day,” said defense attorney Elizabeth Macedonio. “This is a kid from Paterson, New Jersey, who made it.”
She said Maxwell “takes responsibility for his behavior.”
Assistant US Attorney Christopher Caffarone said the prosecution was not about Maxwell’s reputation as a performer.
“The defendant was actually selling drugs,” Caffarone said. “The defendant was actually selling cocaine.”
Seybert told Maxwell, “You have a lot going for you. See if you can put it together.
Maxwell became famous after his debut single, a melodious yet heavy song trap queen, peaked at #2 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in May 2015. The song is about a lover who’s always supporting you — even if it means helping you cook and sell drugs. .
He was nominated for two Grammy Awards in 2016.
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